A celebration of life service for Fred Forshay Jr. will be held on Saturday, July 30, at Prout Funeral Home in Verona. An hour of visiting and conversation, with a backdrop of displayed pictures, will begin at 2 p.m. A Zoom room will open at 2:45 so that those who cannot attend in person will be able to observe and participate. Then, at 3:00, the service will commence, with the Reverend Jerry Racioppi officiating. There will be ample time and encouragement for all to share stories and recollections so that attendees can leave the service with a warm and fuller recollection of a life well-lived. Please know that the family relishes any comments left on the site.
Fred was born on December 10, 1935 in Paterson to Frederick H. Forshay and Anne (nee Kane) Forshay. He grew up in Upper Montclair and graduated from Montclair High School with the Class of 1953. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and was a member of the New Jersey National Guard.
Fred’s professional career spanned more than 40 years with General Electric. Except for a brief period, he lived in Upper Montclair with his parents and commuted daily into New York City where he handled financial matters pertaining to expatriate employees.
He was an avid golfer, enjoying both the course and social opportunities offered at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton. Well into his later years he relished annual winter golfing trips to Florida with dear friends.
Fred provided considerable assistance to his parents in the family home and after their passing he moved to Verona. In this next phase of his life, he discovered the pleasure of dog ownership. His most recent bond was with his loyal companion, Trooper. They were “regulars” in Verona Park where Fred enjoyed meeting and chatting with fellow dog walkers.
Growing up Fred spent summer months at Beaver Lake, in Sussex County and after inheriting what had been his parents’ cottage, he resumed extended stays that allowed him to deepen his strong connection with this community.
Fred’s family is grateful to have shared in his life. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Forshay Blake of Hallowell, Maine. He is also survived by his niece, Pamela Blake and her husband, Dale Skrien of Manchester, Maine; their two children, Julia Skrien Dugal of Manchester and Jason Blake Skrien of Baltimore, Maryland; and his nephew, Christopher Blake of Westport, Massachusetts; and his two sons, Frederick Blake and Thomas Blake, both of Westport, Massachusetts.
Donations in his memory to either the Beaver Lake Memorial Gifts Fund, c/o Mr. Andy Smethurst, P. O. Box 7074, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 or to the New Jersey Humane Society, 6412 Dewey Ave., West New York, NJ 07093 would be appreciated.
Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.
